Christmas is a pagan tradition, right?

Question

So why is it considered a Christian holiday? And while we're on the subject, what remnants are there of pagan tradition in the modern Christmas?

Answer 1

Christians claim it as their holiday alone in an effort to purify it and forget where it all came from (they really need to learn to share). But in reality, they adopted from the pagan festivals in ancient times because no one would convert if they had to give up such an important and fun holiday.

The festivals of this time of year are about celebrating light and life in the face of darkness; giving, caring, family, and community. These things are universal human concepts that belong to everyone, regardless of beliefs or lack therof. These things are too important to put aside, which is why no one would.

The tree is a symbol of everlasting life, being the only plant that could survive the harsh Northern winters. Feasting together, singing, and giving gifts celebrates our togetherness and support in dark times. The lights are symbolic of the birth of the light, of celebrating light in the darkest time of the year. The wreath is a symbol of the cycle of life and its abundance. Holly and mistletoe each have aspects that are sacred feminine and masculine energies.

Answer 2

Suppose you were married and I told you that marriage was derived from pagan religion. Are you going to tell your wife," Sorry, honey. I can't take you out on our anniversary because marriage is a pagan institution?"

Of course not. It's not "pagan" to you -- it's about your marriage. Same with Christmas. I don't care if pagan cultures had a mid-winter festival, or if they decorated trees, hung their stockings by the chimney or claimed that their god, zorg was re-born. I'm celebrating *Christmas -- the birth of my savior.* They're not the same things, even if they do have some superficial resemblance.

So get over the idea that Christmas and some pagan mid-winter festival are equivalent to each other. That's just silly.

Answer 3

Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus. Christians believe Jesus to be the Son of God. Thus, Christmas is not a pagan holiday.

We do not know the actual date on which Jesus is born, but Christmas is celebrated on December 25. The Romans celebrated the Feast of Saturnalia on that day. Saturnalia is a pagan feast that commemorates the Winter Solstice, and the fact that the days are gradually beginning to get longer.

The church decided to celebrate Christmas on that date, because it wished to supplant the pagan feast. Also, there is a symbolism at work here. Light is returning to the world (the days are getting longer). Jesus, the Son of God, is considered as the Light of the World. So physically, literally, and spirtually, Christmas is a time of Light entering the world.

This analogy is flawed in the Southern Hemisphere, of course, but it works in the Northern Hemisphere.

Answer 4

Yup. The Christians took over the Roman festival Saturnalia (December 17). The Romans used to decorate their houses with evergreen twigs for Saturnalia.
Bringing a tree indoors in December is a German pagan tradition, as are the Yule log, gifts in stockings, and some of the elements of the Santa Claus tradition.

Answer 5

First of all, the date. Christmas over took the Winter Solstice, which is usually the 21-22. No scholar believes that Jesus was even born during the winter. The general tradition of bringing greenery inside is Pagan. You already mentioned trees, but wreaths are important too because they represent rebirth. The association with the birth of God is also Pagan. Mithra, Baal, Dionysus, and Heru (Horus), all celebrate their birthdays on the same day.

Answer 6

It's both. It's a beautiful mixture of Christianity, Paganism and Secular Commercialism. Yay Christmas.

Answer 7

I did some research on this because I was kind of curious myself. To put it simple the answer is yes the holiday orignially was pegan and, like most things from peganism, the holiday was modified here and there to incorporate it into the christian faith.

Christians have this way of stealing things, tweeking them here and there, then calling it their own...for example the USA..orginally founded by indians, but guess who stepped in and stole the land...now it's christmas..i'd hate to imagine what's next...

Here is a link that discribes in further detail the history of Christmas.

http://www.didyouknow.cd/xmas/xmashistory.htm

Answer 8

Yes, it is pagan. The lights are suppose to keep evil spirits away.

Answer 9

Christian and I think it has celebrated around the world.

Answer 10

I don't think celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ is pagan.